House wall approval not required

December 12, 2012

Secretary for Development Paul Chan has confirmed that the external wall at House 4 at No.4 Peel Rise did not require Building Department approval before erection.
 
Mr Chan told lawmakers today the wall was built within the area of the lower ground floor of the original building, and did not involve the structure of the building. Upon assessment it was confirmed to be an exempted work, which does not require approval.
 
He said the department conducted an on-site inspection on November 26 and asked the contractor appointed by the owner to provide information and arrange for the opening up of the wall as soon as possible. An opening was made on November 29, and department staff found there was an extended floor space of about 30 square metres behind the wall.
 
The department confirmed the floor space was an actionable unauthorised building work and issued an advisory letter to the owner on December 3, advising him to remove it as soon as possible.
 
The owner and contractor are required to submit a remedial proposal in respect of the removal works to the department, and the works can only start after the department has given its consent.